The ongoing curfew in districts of Colombo, Gampaha and Puttalam has been extended till 6.00 am on Tuesday (24), says the President’s Media Division (PMD).

However, curfew for these three districts will be re-enforced at 2.00 pm on the same day.

In the meantime, the curfew in other districts will be lifted at 6.00 am on Monday (23) and will come to effect again at 2.00 pm on the same day. This will be effective until 6.00 am on Tuesday (24).

Re-imposing curfew in all districts will be notified later.

The curfew was enforced as a means to minimize public gatherings in order to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus within the country.

All individuals were advised to remain indoors during the time of the curfew and to maintain a minimum distance of among each other. Authorities have warned that public congregation can lead to the further spread of the virus.

As a preventive measure, the government also banned all leisure trips, pilgrimages and tours within the country until further notice.

The Government has announced that all the liquor shops in the island should remain closed at all times when the curfew is lifted.

The Police has been instructed to make facilities for the farming community to engage in their cultivation activities without any disruption.

As there are adequate stocks of food and other essential items, the government has advised the public not to engage in panic buying. Facilities for transporting these items have been ensured, the PMD said.

The PMD also noted that measures are in place to supply essential food items to where they are required.